Plain Sailing
Star Boats is the place to go if you want a relaxing Cruise. Captain Leia Skywalker is in charge. She keeps everything is in order. Luke Skywalker, her twin, is her second-in-command. He overviews the staff and makes sure the guests are happy. They are 19. Star Boats was started by Luke and Leia's parents, Padme and Anakin Skywalker. They control everything off the boat. Luke and Leia will take over those jobs when their parents retire. They say they love the job so much, they will not quit until they die. Be quick if you want to catch a ride! The boat leaves on the 9th of July, at 10 am, sharp. Don't be late! Only one leaves per year, you see. Get your tickets before they sell out!
It is 9:57 am on July 9th. The boat will be leaving soon. Almost all the passengers are aboard. There is no sign of the last guest. Luke is beginning to become worried (not that he isn't 24/7).
''Luke, it's nearly time to leave.'' Leia rushes from the Engine Room. Leia never walks, she rushes, a whirlwind of blue and gold skirts. Luke always marvels at how his sister can be so calm all the time. He takes one last look and starts to go inside. He hears shouting, so he turns back. A young man about his and Leia's age is running towards the boat. The last passenger! Here at last. And just in time, as soon as he is aboard, the clock strikes 10. Leia pulls the horn to signal it is time to leave. There are cheers from everyone.
Luke turns his attention to The Last Passenger. His clothes are slightly ruffled, and he looks uncomfortable in the stiff suit. His hair looks as though he has ben running his hands through it for the whole journey.
Luke walks up to him, as he looks lost. ''Han Solo, right?'' he asks.
The man- Han- nods. ''Do you know where I'll be sleeping?'' his voice is rough and deep, although nervous.
Luke nods. ''If you just follow me, I'll show you.'' He starts to go, then remembers the luggage ''Wedge!'' he calls.
Wedge arrives almost immediately. ''I need you to take this luggage to Cabin 13 please.'' Wedge rushes ahead.
''I can give you a tour, if you would like?'' Luke suggests, seeing Han looking around, eyes filled with wonder. Luke smiled, he had seen this expression on everyone, when they first com aboard. The corridors are lined with thick, blue carpets and the ceilings full of intricate paintings of the sky. At night, you could almost believe you were looking at the sky. Even in broad daylight, the stars twinkle. Han nods and Luke shows him around.
''This is the dining hall. Breakfast is from 6-11 am. Lunch is 12-3. Dinner is 7-10. It is open 24/7 so if you ever feel hungry outside of meal times, you can always find a snack.''
Han marvels at how big it is.
''The Engine Room. This is where all the action takes place. If you ever have any questions about it, someone will be happy to answer them. Or if you just want to watch, that is very welcome as well.''
Another round of coal is put on the fire, and a burst of flame startles Han, then he starts to grin.
''If you ever need to find me or Leia, she's the Captain, we'll probably be in here.'' Luke points to Leia's office. He has his own, but hardly ever uses it. ''If we're not, we could be in our cabins'' he points to the cabins to the right of the office. ''If not, ask around. Someone will know where at least one of is.''
Han nods almost hesitantly but is still smiling.
When the tour is finished, Han thinks he has smiled more in the past hour than he has in his entire life. In fact, he is still smiling. His bag has been brought to his room and is on his bed. The bed is huge! He was going to enjoy his stay here.